HP Scholastic Junior All-Americans selected

Twenty-four of the nation’s brightest minds and best junior golfers were named to the 2011 HP Scholastic Junior All-America Team, the American Junior Golf Association and HP announced Wednesday, Oct. 5. Sponsored by HP since 1988, the team consists of 12 young men and 12 young women who demonstrate the ability to excel both on the golf course and in the classroom.

To be eligible to apply for the HP Scholastic Junior All-America Team, boys must have placed in the top 10 of an AJGA Open or Invitational, while girls needed a top-five finish. The selections were then based on grade point average, class rank, leadership skills, SAT/ACT/PLAN/PSAT scores, community service and writing ability. Candidates were required to submit an essay no longer than 500 words on an original topic relating to golf.

“HP is delighted once again to recognize academic excellence with the naming of the 2011 HP Scholastic Junior All-America Team,” said John Dayan, vice president of marketing, Personal Systems Group Americas, Hewlett Packard. “The AJGA works hard to prepare young adults for life after high school by instilling honor, perseverance and good sportsmanship. HP is proud to be associated with the AJGA and this great group of young adults.”

These outstanding individuals will be honored at the Rolex Junior All-America Awards Banquet, Nov. 20, at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. By being named to this team, each player is also eligible to participate in the Polo Golf Junior Classic, one of the most prestigious events in junior golf, which will take place on PGA National Resort & Spa's Champion and Haig Courses, Nov. 19-25.

Sarah Harris of Hermitage, Tenn., and Kimberly Santiago of Lynnwood, Wash., earned HP Scholastic Junior All-America honors for the second consecutive year, while Teddy Corcoran of Rochester, N.Y., penned the winning essay, titled “Golf’s not a sport, is it?”

A smile slowly spreads across my face, and I look down as I hear this.

Golf’s not a sport, is it? I think back to April and May, hands numb, muscles stiff, eyes heavy as I practice five-footers. I remember the wind whipping across my face as I followed the flight of my practice shots at 6 in the morning. I remember the distinct feeling of pride I had walking across the street to the practice range while all the other golfers headed in the opposite direction for warmth and cover from the rain.

Golf’s not a sport, is it? I remember four-putting the green to miss gaining points and the frustration I experienced during the four-hour car ride home with my parents. We had come all that way for what seemed like nothing. Yet I continued to practice.

Golf’s not a sport, is it? I remember how low golf has brought me after failing to qualify for sectionals. The feelings of regret, disappointment, and humiliation were compounded by further failure at other qualifiers, leading me to question my ability. All my hard work was for nothing, yet I continued to practice.

Golf’s not a sport, is it? I recall my rebound and the thrill of going under-par in competition. I still feel my heart ready to jump out of my chest when I remember teeing off on a hole guarded by water while trying to remain in contention in a national event. I will never forget the emotions that resulted from a simple two-putt that lead to a top-10 finish: exhaustion, fatigue, pride and accomplishment.

Golf’s not a sport, is it? I still remember the respect I earned when I won the men’s championship at my golf club. I still almost cry when I picture my mom tearing up with emotion as I hug her. I still smile when I look at the trophy, and fell indebted to my dad for both the time and financial sacrifices he made that helped me to achieve this goal.

Golf’s not a sport, is it? I continue to strength train, trying to not only become a better golfer, but a better athlete. I build muscles that are essential to the swing, increase flexibility, and work to the point of exhaustion to improve my game.

Golf has built me up and torn me down. I have thought I found the key only to return to the drawing board the next round. It has embarrassed me to the point where I don’t want to talk to my friends and made me so happy I can’t help but call them up and tell them about my success. It is without question the most emotional, puzzling, ugly, and beautiful activity in the world.

The smile fades and I look up.

“If golf’s not a sport, I don’t know what is.”

Mission Statement

The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.